Monday, 20 February 2023

Biden in Kyiv ahead of war anniversary

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Biden pledges new military aid for Ukraine, North Korea fires two more missiles, and why Nigeria's presidential election is galvanizing young voters

by Linda Noakes

War in Ukraine, one year on

U.S. President Joe Biden and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy visit Saint Michael's cathedral in Kyiv, February 20, 2023. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich

U.S. President Joe Biden made an unannounced visit to Kyiv, promising President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that Washington would stand with Ukraine as long as it takes. Biden promised a further $500 million worth of weaponry, including artillery ammunition, anti-armor systems and air defense radars, plus tighter sanctions on Russia.
Nearly a year after it began, Russia's invasion has upended life but also rallied a nation. It is hard to see Russian President Vladimir Putin winning his war - but a lasting peace is not on the cards either, Hugo Dixon says in a column for Breakingviews.
China told the United States to keep out of its relationship with Russia, just as Beijing's top diplomat prepared for a visit to Moscow, and possibly a meeting with Vladimir Putin, to discuss ideas for peace in Ukraine. We look at the deepening tensions between Washington and Beijing in today's Reuters World News podcast.
His army has made three humiliating retreats in Ukraine in the past year and nearly 200,000 of his men have been killed or wounded according to U.S. officials, but Russia's defense minister is still in a job thanks to Putin.
The Kremlin said that Russia's relations with Moldova were very tense and it accused Moldovan leaders of pursuing an anti-Russian agenda, one week after Chisinau said it had foiled a Russian coup attempt.
Here's what you need to know about the Russia-Ukraine conflict right now

Around the World

People watch a TV broadcasting a news report on North Korea firing two ballistic missiles off its east coast, in Seoul, South Korea, February 20, 2023. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji

North Korea launched two more ballistic missiles off its east coast, with the powerful sister of leader Kim Jong Un saying North Korea's use of the Pacific as a "firing range" would depend on the behavior of U.S. forces.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Washington will help Turkey "for as long as it takes" after earthquakes rocked the country two weeks ago, as authorities carried out widescale demolitions of damaged buildings.
Heavy rains in coastal areas of Brazil's southeast have caused flooding and landslides that killed 36 people and dislodged hundreds of others.
Mauritius grounded flights and shut its stock exchange as Tropical Cyclone Freddy approached, posing a "direct threat" to the Indian Ocean island.
Broken corroded wires, improper welding and changes to the walking surface of a 145-year-old hanging bridge in India contributed to its collapse last year that killed 135 people, an investigation has found.
First-time voter Amanda Iheme has made up her mind on her choice for Nigeria's next president - and it won't be a candidate from the two main political parties. We look at how Nigeria's presidential election is galvanizing young voters.

Business & Markets

A blue verification badge and the logos of Facebook and Instagram are seen in this picture illustration.

Meta Platforms announced that it is testing a monthly subscription service, called Meta Verified, which will let users verify their accounts using a government ID and get a blue badge. The subscription bundle for Instagram and Facebook will be priced starting at $11.99 per month on the web or $14.99 a month on Apple's iOS system and Android.
Telecoms gear maker Ericsson plans to cut about 1,400 jobs in Sweden as part of a broader plan to reduce costs globally. The company had earlier announced plans to cut costs by $880 million by the end of 2023 as demand slows in some markets, including North America.
Raiffeisen Bank International's shares suffered their worst daily drop since the onset of the Ukraine war, after news that the Austrian lender has drawn the attention of U.S. sanctions officials over its Russian business.
Uber Technologies will introduce 25,000 electric vehicles in India for ride-sharing over three years, its country head said, its first move to adopt clean cars.
China's job fairs are making a comeback after being forced online by COVID-19 for three years, but subdued wages and less abundant offerings in sectors exposed to weakening external demand point to an uneven and guarded economic recovery.
Britain set out plans for a post-Brexit review of its rules for the $13 trillion asset management sector, with a focus on bolstering liquidity after a near meltdown in funds used by pension schemes last September.

And Finally

Ian Stokell and Lesley Paterson pose with their Best Film awards for 'All Quiet on the Western Front' at the Royal Festival Hall in London, February 19, 2023. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls

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